popularly believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "popularly believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a belief or opinion that is widely held by the general public. Example: "It is popularly believed that eating carrots improves your eyesight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Germans are not as efficient as is popularly believed.

The New Yorker

Which suggests that celebrity campaigns are popularly believed to be popular – but falsely so.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have always thought that Victoria was more politically astute than is popularly believed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Henry VIII is popularly believed to have been the first monarch to eat a Christmas turkey.

The Guardian - Opinion

All the above discoveries were serendipitous, yet much less lucky than popularly believed.

Harvard Business Review

Top Withens on Haworth Moor is popularly believed to be the setting for Emily Brontë's novel.

The Guardian - Travel

"I really think that Eisenhower is the first television president," she said — not Kennedy, as popularly believed.

The New York Times

They are not immune to venom, as popularly believed, nor do they seek and eat an herbal remedy if bitten.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Philip was popularly believed to have had Aratus murdered, the Greek leader probably died of tuberculosis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is popularly believed that fingertips absorb water and swell, making the skin ripple with tiny folds.

The Guardian

The most serious climbers are popularly believed to have an almost mystical dedication to the peaks they attempt.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "popularly believed", consider following it with a contrasting statement or evidence to challenge or nuance the prevailing view. This adds depth and critical thinking to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "popularly believed" as a definitive statement without providing supporting evidence or critical analysis. Ensure to either validate the belief or offer a counter-perspective to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "popularly believed" functions as an introductory phrase. It sets the stage for presenting an idea or concept widely accepted by the general public, often preceding a discussion of its validity or accuracy. Ludwig confirms that the phrase introduces a belief or opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "popularly believed" is a versatile phrase used to introduce ideas or assumptions widely held by the general public. As Ludwig confirms, it serves as an introductory phrase, often signaling a belief that may or may not be based on factual evidence. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its presence across academic, encyclopedic, and other contexts indicates broad acceptability. When using this phrase, ensure to critically evaluate the belief and provide supporting evidence or alternative perspectives to maintain credibility. Alternatives include "widely accepted" and "commonly thought".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally believed

Is very similar to the query, but has slightly more formal tone.

widely accepted

Focuses on the broad acceptance of an idea or fact.

commonly thought

Highlights the general consensus or prevailing opinion.

generally assumed

Emphasizes that the idea is taken for granted, often without proof.

traditionally held

Implies that the belief has been present for a long time.

conventionally understood

Indicates that the belief aligns with established norms or customs.

publicly perceived

Focuses on how something is seen by the general public.

popularly conceived

Suggests that the idea is a common mental image or understanding.

commonly known

Highlights that the information is widely familiar.

widely recognized

Focuses on the broad acknowledgement of something's existence or validity.

FAQs

How can I use "popularly believed" in a sentence?

You can use "popularly believed" to introduce a common idea or assumption, like in the sentence: "It is "popularly believed" that a full moon affects human behavior, although scientific evidence is inconclusive."

What are some alternatives to "popularly believed"?

Some alternatives include "widely accepted", "commonly thought", or "generally assumed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to use "popularly believed"?

Not necessarily. "Popularly believed" often refers to beliefs that are widespread but not always supported by evidence. It's important to use it to introduce an idea, not to state a definitive fact.

What's the difference between "popularly believed" and "generally known"?

"Popularly believed" indicates a common belief, while "generally known" suggests something is widely recognized as factual. Use "popularly believed" when the idea might be questionable or lack solid evidence.